The miracle baby who despite suffering from a life-threatening brain defect still helped to raise money for a top children's charity has lost his fight for life.

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Baby Sam Nolan died on Monday surrounding by his loving family. The smiling one-year-old boy suffered from the brain defect holoprosencephly, a life-threatening condition.

Despite his serious illness, the beautiful little boy, with the help of his parents, held a fundraising lunch in aid of the charity the Jack & Jill Foundation.

Members of the public were so touched by Sam's plight that there was a waiting list to attend the event. And the efforts of the smiling tot and his parents helped raise a massive €14,500 for the foundation.

Little Sam battled for life for several months, astounding doctors. Sadly, his fight ended earlier this week.

Sam was laid to rest at Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Co Dublin.

Little Sam, from Blackrock in Dublin, was diagnosed with lobar holoprosencephly when he was just a few weeks old. But that is not the only battle that he has faced.

The little boy also suffered from diabetes insipidus, a severe kidney problem and fought against meningitis in his short life.

After he was diagnosed with the brain condition, his parents were told to brace themselves for the worst. They were told that Sam would never walk or talk or even sit upright, but he constantly surprised them with his spirit.

Heartbroken

His heartbroken parents have previously spoke out about the joy that Sam brought to their lives. His mum described his life as "a miracle".

After months in and out of Temple St hospital, little Sam was allowed to go home to his delighted parents.

In the final few months of his short life, his parents were able to be mum and dad as well as nurses to their ill son.